“Forgive, Forget… and Deliver” – Azharuddin’s New Formula

Mohammad Azharuddin has lived most of his life under the sharp, unblinking gaze of the public, first as India’s most successful cricket captain, then as a Member of Parliament, and now as Telangana’s Minister for Minority Welfare and Public Enterprises. In this exclusive interview, he speaks about responsibility, criticism, faith, and the priorities that will shape his tenure.

Q: You’ve lived four decades in public attention be it cricket or Parliament and now as part of the Telangana state cabinet. How has that shaped your outlook?

Azharuddin: “When you spend so many years in public life, you learn what to hold on to and what to let go.

“I’ve always believed in ‘forgive and forget’.
I don’t have the element of revenge in me, and I don’t carry bitterness.“

– Mohammed Azharuddin

“That’s how my elders have raised me, and it’s also what Islam teaches. When you follow that, you don’t waste time on negativity. It keeps you focused.”

He says it calmly, almost as if it’s the simplest answer to a complicated life lived in full public view.

Q: What will be your primary focus as the Minister for Minority Welfare?

Azharuddin: “My approach is simple and clear. Solve the problems and deliver the solutions. People often feel there is too much talk and too little delivery. I want to ensure that what is promised on paper is actually felt by people on the ground.”

He explains that many systems are already in place but some have not been used as effectively. “We must make existing institutions work. If infrastructure already exists, there is no reason it should not function at its best,” he added.

Q: Joined an anti-drug march was one of your first programs after taking oath. Why was that important?

Azharuddin: “It was a meaningful way to begin. Thousands of schoolchildren had gathered, and they needed to hear that drugs do not have any place in their lives. I’ve always believed children respond better when you speak honestly and simply. Drugs destroy families silently and awareness is the first line of defence.”

Q: Tell us about your visit to Saudi Arabia after the tragic Madina accident.

Azharuddin: “The tragedy was extremely painful. Nearly 45 people from Hyderabad lost their lives. At such moments, people expect not just statements but presence. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy took a commendable decision to send a delegation immediately. I am asked to lead it, along with Dr. B. Shafiullah, IFS, and AIMIM MLA Majid Hussain.

Our job is to support the families, coordinate with Saudi officials, ensure the formalities are handled respectfully, and bring clarity during a difficult time. These are moments when a government must stand closest to its people. We can’t undo what has happened, but we can at least be with them in these inconsolable times.”

He adds that such incidents shape the seriousness with which a minister must work.

“You realise very quickly what responsibility actually means.”

Q: What specific improvements do you want to bring to minority healthcare?

Azharuddin: “Telangana state already has a vibrant healthcare system and the Government is committed to providing great and affordable healthcare.

As the Minority Welfare minister, I feel that though Minority healthcare institutions already exist, some of these haven’t been used to their full capacity. We need stronger implementation. We will strengthen existing facilities, ensure staffing is adequate, upgrade services, and make sure people know what they can access. Good healthcare is the foundation of welfare, everything else rests on it.”

Q: You were the MP for Moradabad earlier. How does that experience influence your work today?

Azharuddin: “Being an MP was eye-opening. You understand how policies that look good on paper can take time to reach people. The first lesson in public life is listening. People come with problems that are not theoretical — they are real, urgent, and personal. Even now at my residence, people come every day with grievances. You have to listen, because if you don’t understand the problem clearly, you cannot solve it.”

Q: During the Jubilee Hills by-election, you faced sharp political attacks. How do you handle that criticism?

Azharuddin: “I’ve been in the public eye for a long time. Criticism comes with the space you occupy. If someone speaks wrongly about me, let them. That reflects who they are, not who I am. I don’t carry it with me. Politics has become loud today. I don’t think I need to match that. I prefer staying focused on what needs to be done.”

Q: Your family remains visible in politics and sports. How do you see that attention?

Azharuddin: “It’s part of public life. My son Mohammed Asaduddin is now a General Secretary of the Congress Party. And yes, our family has always had a connection with sport, we are grateful to the people for all the love they have showed us during our good and bad times.“

Asadudding’s marriage to Anam Mirza, sister of Sania Mirza make them one of the most prominent sports families of India.

“People recognise these associations, and that’s fine. But eventually, each of us must do our work sincerely, regardless of who we’re related to.”

Q: There are concerns about under-utilization of the minority welfare budget. How will you address that?

Azharuddin: “Budgets are meant to be used, not returned. The aim is to ensure every rupee reaches the beneficiary it is meant for. We will identify gaps, improve coordination, and ensure that budget allocation translates into visible benefits. Accountability in execution is very important.”

Q: What do you want people to expect from your tenure?

Azharuddin: “People have trusted me, and I must give them what they deserve – clear action, fair decisions, and honest work. Political noise is no substitute for responsibility. Over the years, in cricket and public life, I’ve learned that performance matters more than talk.”

You speak about humility and restraint, when Politicians may not choose to restrain because, as the saying goes, everything is fair in Politics. What do you think?

Azharuddin: “There is a story I’ve always remembered – the incident of Junaid Baghdadi, the great wrestler who later became a renowned spiritual figure. He was unmatched in strength, known across Baghdad. But when he fought a weak-looking man in a competition, he let the other person win. The man, who was a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), asked Junaid Baghdadi, to let him win so he could collect the reward to feed his family. Hazrat Junaid accepted the request and, to the crowd’s surprise, lost the match. Azharuddin, recollecting this incident, explained that true strength is not just power – it’s knowing when to use it, and when to hold back.

That story teaches two things: strategy and humility. Strategy – because sometimes the smartest victory is not the one people see. And humility, because your ego should never control your actions. I think this applies to governance as much as to sports. You don’t have to respond to everything loudly. Sometimes, the wiser choice is to stay calm and stay focused.”